2026 NFL Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers add to the defense after loss

The 2026 NFL Draft is months away, but with college football in full swing, it may be time to start looking ahead. With it being another Monday in the calendar, it's time for another installment within our Mock Draft Monday series here on Bucs Wire.

SirVocea Dennis has solidified himself as a liability in the unit, despite his flashes in recent weeks. Whether it is in the run game or in pass coverage, he has proven to be unreliable for better or worse. What the Bucs did not account for was the 35-year-old version of Lavonte David to be the last productive year for the future Hall of Famer. He has struggled mightily in 2025, and while there is no one campaigning for him to be replaced, the future of the position is up for grabs.

That brings us to Mock Draft Monday and how we think the Bucs can fix the situation.

Round 1: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

The Bucs have shown that without a partner for Yaya Diaby on the opposite edge, he struggles. Diaby was on pace for a career-best type of year when Haason Reddick was opposite him, but since being hurt, his production has dipped. Cashius Howell is explosive off the edge, has good hands, and a high motor to get after the quarterback. Jason Licht has struck out on edge prospects in round one, and they love David Walker, but they need a power hitter like Howell.

Round 2: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

There are questions surrounding Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in terms of what is in store for them in 2026. Chris Bell would give them someone who can really create after the catch, which they are lacking. Bell can also play big when called upon, but his athleticism and movement in space are what are most appealing.

Round 3: C.J. Fite, DL, Arizona State

The Bucs need some depth on the defensive line. Vita Vea is dealing with career highs in double teams in the absence of Calijah Kancey, adding Fite helps six that. The team has some rotational pieces, but Fite has some upside that they don't in pass rush promise and run stuffing.

Round 4: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois

An injury has Xavier Scott falling to day three of the NFL Draft, but the talent is still there. Jason Licht has shown he has no problem taking advantage of players falling despite injury concerns. Scott is someone who is very physical in coverage, offers run support, and also finds the ball and forces turnovers.

Round 5: Hollywood Smothers, RB, NC State

The Bucs have some questions they need to answer in their backfield with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. If either finds themselves with a different team in 2026, they need a new partner in the backfield for Bucky Irving. Hollywood Smothers is a dual threat out of the backfield and would be a fun addition to the team.

Round 6: Josh Hoover, QB, TCU

We saw firsthand how flat this offense can become without Baker Mayfield under center. Josh Hoover has a live arm, can make throws to all levels of the field, and he would keep this offense looking like it has a pulse in Mayfield's absence.

Round 7: Vincent Anthony Jr., Edge, Duke

Depth at the edge rusher position group is what allows teams to make Super Bowl runs. While the offensive line cannot rotate out, edge rushers can. Anthony Jr. is a live option in the rotation and would give the Bucs five deep with his addition and Howell's.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft Monday: Bucs add to the defense after Week 12